The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made the singing of the national song “Vande Mataram” mandatory in all madrassas across the state during morning assembly prayers. The decision comes just a week after a similar order made the song compulsory in all state-run and state-aided schools.
According to an official order issued by the Directorate of Madrasah Education on May 19, the rule applies to all government-run, aided, recognised and unaided madrassas under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
The directive states that the song must be sung before the start of classes during morning assembly, replacing earlier practices followed by individual institutions.
“Mandatory With Immediate Effect”: Official Order
The notification reportedly reads that, “in supersession of all previous orders and practices, singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ during assembly prayers prior to the commencement of classes is hereby made mandatory in all madrassas across the state with immediate effect.”
Officials have clarified that the order is binding on all institutions under the department, and implementation has already begun in some schools.
Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Minister Khudiram Tudu defended the move, saying there should be no exception in school rules based on institution type.
He said, “Like all other state-run schools, singing ‘Vande Mataram’ will henceforth be mandatory in all recognised madrasahs as well.”
He further added that if the national song can be implemented in schools teaching different languages, “there is no reason why madrassas should be excluded.”
Schools Also Affected Earlier
This move follows an earlier directive issued in May making “Vande Mataram” compulsory in all government and aided schools in West Bengal during morning assemblies.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced the decision on social media, saying the national song must be sung before the start of classes across all schools under the School Education Department.
The government has also linked the move to the Centre’s initiative marking 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” which called on states to promote the historical national song in educational institutions.
Questions Over School Timings and Implementation
The new rule has raised concerns among school administrators about practical implementation.
Some school heads told The Times of India that it is unclear whether the state song “Banglar Mati Banglar Jal” will continue alongside “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem.
A school official said, “We cannot drop the National Anthem, as it is mandatory. Now adding another song may delay classes.”
Another education department official clarified that the latest order only mentions “Vande Mataram” and does not refer to the state song.
Political and Cultural Debate Reignites
“Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has long held political and cultural significance in India and was widely used during the freedom struggle.
However, it has also been a subject of political debate in recent years, especially regarding its role in schools and public ceremonies.
The latest directive has once again triggered discussion about cultural uniformity in education and the balance between national symbols and regional practices.
Implementation Already Underway
Reports suggest that several schools in West Bengal have already started implementing the directive in morning assemblies.
Education officials maintain that compliance is expected across all institutions under the department and that further instructions will be issued if required.
